trazodone, Desyrel (discontinued brand)

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

GENERIC NAME: trazodone

DISCONTINUED BRAND: Desyrel

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Trazodone is an oral antidepressant drug that
affects the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) within the brain that nerves
use to communicate with (stimulate) each other. The major neurotransmitters are
acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Many experts believe that
an imbalance among the different neurotransmitters is the cause of depression.
Although the exact mechanism of action of trazodone is unknown, it probably
improves symptoms of depression by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin by nerves
in the brain. This results in more serotonin to stimulate other nerves.
Trazodone also may increase directly the action of serotonin. Trazodone is
chemically unrelated to the
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the
tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO
inhibitors). It is chemically related to nefazodone (Serzone) and shares its
actions. Trazodone was approved by the FDA in 1982.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Trazodone is primarily used for the treatment of depression.
It is sometimes prescribed as a sedative, and also is used in combination
with other drugs for the treatment of panic attacks, aggressive behavior,
agoraphobia, and cocaine withdrawal.